The entirety of all people, organizations, and institutions in a state that serve to promote, maintain, and restore health.
example
Das deutsche Gesundheitssystem basiert auf einer gesetzlichen und privaten Krankenversicherung.
The German healthcare system is based on statutory and private health insurance.
Usage tips
Word composition
The word is made up of three parts: 'Gesundheit' (health), the linking -s, and 'System' (system). So it literally describes a system for the health of the population.
EXAMPLE
Die Reform des Gesundheitssystems ist ein wichtiges politisches Thema.
The reform of the healthcare system is an important political issue.
Typical collocations
'Gesundheitssystem' (healthcare system) is often combined with verbs from the political or economic sphere. Typical phrases are 'das Gesundheitssystem reformieren' (to reform the healthcare system), 'finanzieren' (to finance), or 'belasten' (to strain).
EXAMPLE
Die alternde Bevölkerung belastet das Gesundheitssystem.
The aging population is straining the healthcare system.
Register and style
This word belongs to technical and written language, especially in the areas of politics, news, and social sciences. It describes the entire structure of a country's healthcare provision.
EXAMPLE
In der Podiumsdiskussion ging es um die Zukunft des Gesundheitssystems.
The panel discussion was about the future of the healthcare system.
Compare with
synonym · confusable
Gesundheitssystem vs Gesundheitswesen
healthcare system
'Gesundheitswesen' and 'Gesundheitssystem' very often mean the same thing: all the institutions, people, and rules connected with health and medical care in a country. This includes, for example, doctors, hospitals, health insurance providers, and health policy. The words are easy to confuse because they are interchangeable in many sentences. 'Gesundheitssystem' sounds a little more like the overall structure of a state or country. 'Gesundheitswesen' often sounds a bit more general and can also mean the entire field of health. In many everyday sentences, however, the difference is small.
Gesundheitssystem
Das Gesundheitssystem muss auch in ländlichen Regionen gut funktionieren.
The healthcare system must also function well in rural regions.
Gesundheitswesen
Viele Menschen arbeiten im Gesundheitswesen, zum Beispiel in Kliniken oder Arztpraxen.
Many people work in the healthcare system, for example in clinics or doctors' offices.